BREAKING NEWS: LDS Canneries Halt Canning!

An official handout of the Greensboro, NC LDS Cannery, given to all patrons earlier this week.
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Breaking News: LDS Canneries East of the Mississippi to HALT CANNING!

Update: The conclusion which I lay out in this article regarding the changes to the canneries made to the LDS Church Canneries has actually been verified with a recent official press release with respect to the fact that the canneries will HALT canning but does NOT affirm any of my assertions regarding the politically charged conclusions that I share--other than there were some considerations given to the mass of government requirements at each of their locations. See "The Rest of the Story on the LDS Canneries" here. There are further details adding credence to this article available in this post (including collaboration by other witnesses, including aspects of the arduous government interference or hinderance of the cannery activities) and see the official, FIRST LDS Church response that was initially just a couple of sentences long, as published here. in the Deseret News.

LDS Canneries “east of the Mississippi” will no longer be canning any food at their facilities beginning as early as June 27th, 2013,

as they are no longer able to justify the abhorrent costs to keep in compliance with the ever-changing criteria set forth by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration. The canneries will still function as a center for pre-packaged bulk-foods for their patrons, but these items will have to be shipped into them now, pre-packaged in the LDS

Mississippi LDS Cannery PreparednessPro.com

Canneries in the West (which are more robust and closer to LDS Church headquarters which makes quality control simpler).

This news has been confirmed several dozen times over ever since I posted it on Facebook this morning. One of the commenters (who shall remain anonymous) stated the following:

“I called the cannery in Apple Valley, MN this morning and confirmed this is affecting their cannery. The sister I spoke with said it starts July 1st. From then on you can no longer buy anything in bulk, only in pre-packaged cans.

On the one hand I see it as not so bad because at least we can still buy the foods there and they will presumably be about the same prices. On the other hand it's a great loss to not be able to buy in bulk if you want and I also see this as one more baby step in the government taking control.”

Yup, now that I've dropped that little startling info, let me give you the rest of the information.

What's an LDS Cannery?

LDS Cannery Volunteers PreparednessPro.com

For those of you that don’t know, the LDS Church (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints) is a Christian religion that has deep roots of assisting the citizens in their regions to become more self-sufficient. For decades their members have

been admonished to live self-sufficient lives including setting aside appropriate foods to last a family 12 months. One of the ways that members are able to accomplish this is by volunteering at an LDS Cannery. This opportunity is also available to non-members of the LDS faith without restriction as well, who schedule a time to volunteer to assist in the canning of a wide spectrum of foods as these canneries. Fruits, vegetables, protein, legumes, starches such as rice and wheat, flour and sugar, and even spaghetti sauce and chili are some of the essential items that people have been able to come and donate service to can, in 2 to 4 hour shifts. At the end of their shift the volunteers are given the opportunity to purchase various items that are canned at the facility, in #10 cans. The products at the LDS Cannery facilities (sometimes referred to as Home Storage Centers) are typically at or just above cost, so they are very competitively priced, and come with the confidence that they were getting premium, quality food. These foods are frequently used to supplement the groceries purchased by families and also serve as reliable foods that have a long shelf-life which can be set aside for a rainy day. Well, thanks to Big Brother’s ulterior agenda, come June 26th there will no longer be ANY canning activity at these facilities east of the Mississippi. Unfortunately, the government entities have made it far too costly, topped with even exposure to legal liabilities to continue providing this amazing service to their communities.

The LDS Church Would NOT Make This Decision Lightly

Keep in mind that the LDS Church Corporation is no pauper nor have they shown anything but an admirable determination to continue running these facilities over the years. They stand as a beacon of self-sufficiency in every sense of the word as they are run debt free and strictly by volunteers. There’s hardly a home of an LDS Member in existence that doesn’t possess at least a couple of their trademarked, understated brand of #10 cans from the cannery and there are millions of non LDS persons who have discovered the food that can be purchased from these centers as one of the best kept secrets to successful family budgeting. Millions of volunteer hours are donated to these facilities every year! They are NOT backing down because of a small speed bump. No, this decision would ONLY come as a result of some pretty significant obstacles. (When the government regulations become a moving target, it's nearly impossible to accommodate their criteria regardless of one's financial strength or commitment. Many small business owners can relate to this dilemma, I'm sure!) And yet, in spite of this, you can bet that the LDS Church will handle this with absolute class and restraint when they make the public announcement.

Can't Find News on the LDS Canneries Yet?

The LDS Church has not yet made an official announcement on this matter, however, the various canneries have begun letting their patrons know with the types of handouts that you see at the left and many LDS churchgoers can expect announcements to be made from the pulpit regarding these changes in the upcoming Sundays. However, I am certain that the ONLY place you’ll hear about the FDA and USDA’s involvement will be here, as a result of the one on one interviews that

Volunteers Cleaning LDS Cannery FDA USDA PreparednessPro.com

I’ve had with people who are involved in the logistics of making these changes. And since the LDS Church is not known for returning evil for evil, or whining or griping about how unjustly they’ve been treated in such matters, I’m certain that you’ll not hear any media coverage addressing the role that the U.S. government has played in these matters. It’s only on condition of absolute anonymity that I have such information and back story that's been shared with me. One comment that has stuck with me strongly was the person who shared with me about a stiff fine that their previous perfect record cannery had been assessed. (Remember, these volunteers never would have anticipated to have to deal with such bureaucracy when they originally volunteered to serve an 18 month service mission). This person said “it seems like they (USDA) only show up now because they see an LDS Cannery inspection as a quick way to make a buck.” This informant went on to clarify that they pay close attention to every detail of cleanliness and compliance, sometimes "even to the point that the volunteer patrons may think I'm being a bit strict, but I don't want anything to compromise this invaluable service that we do here, but they always seem to find something to be unhappy about (during their inspections)."

What Does This Mean for LDS Canneries?

What’s a cannery that doesn’t can anything? Well, apparently it’s just a center now in which people will be able to check out the canning equipment (for #10 can projects) for a few days at a time, and can dry goods in their own home, or they’ll be able to purchase pre-packaged goods that will be canned in the more robust facilities in the Western States which will no doubt bear the burden of the cost to be shipped now to the Eastern states. This means that the LDS Canneries in the West, which are already working as a fast clip will need to increase the number of volunteer hours in order to make up for the products that will be shipped to the east. Unfortunately, it became obvious to me that this kind of mess doesn't stop here. Several of the personal interviewees made it clear to me that they feel like there’s an active intent by these government entities to shut down ALL LDS Canneries ALL over the U.S. including a target on the ability to purchase foods in bulk, and that there seemed to be a targeted time table by the government entities to have this accomplished at the end of the next two years. We’ll just have to see who wins that little challenge. One thing I can say about the LDS Church, they ALWAYS rise to the challenge. Fortunately that can't be said about any of the U.S Government entities as a whole.

On a personal note, I’m greatly disturbed by this recent change of events, not only because I have personally volunteered at several of the affected facilities all my life it seems, but I personally know literally hundreds (if not thousands) of our readers who will also be impacted by this change. I’ve been able to also confirm this week that this policy has been put in place at a handful of other LDS Canneries in other areas of the country including Missouri, Washington, Texas, and other states.

Is There More to This LDS Cannery Story?

Remember the hoopla that happened last year in which the FBI was reported to have popped in at an LDS Cannery demanding to see a list of all of their patrons? (I believe the word "raid" was used.) Well, I conducted personal interviews on that matter as well in an effort to try to get to the truth of the matter, and after doing so I was certain that there was such an incident, but that it was easily handled in such as way so as not to ruffle any government or LDS member's feathers. The story was quickly put to rest publicly which was EASY to do because there were so few persons involved to manage. (The LDS Church always favors the least offensive approach to these kinds of things) But when there’s a change like THIS that’s undeniable, and will soon be obvious to SO many patrons of so many locations—well that’s a little more difficult to soft shoe and conceal. However, I’m certain that the official announcements from the LDS Church will not including any grousing about a bothersome Big Brother interference when they do.

How Does This Affect Our Preparedness Efforts?

Millions of persons have benefited from the canning services offered at the LDS Canneries all over the U.S., and as I mentioned earlier, the LDS Church does not require that a person be a member of their church to participate in the bulk purchasing, but this shut down will inevitably make things more challenging for those who are trying to acquire quality food essentials at affordable prices. Unfortunately, the LDS Church (corporation) has enabled the wolf at the door to have the full run of the house in matters such as these. Personal interviews unveiled numerous accounts of supervisors of the canneries feeling badgered and even harassed by the USDA and the FDA. At one point the LDS Church was told several years ago that they had to stop canning their homegrown peaches because they were told by the government entity inspecting them that “they were too juicy.” Yup—“too juicy”. How about that for a lame excuse? As a result, the LDS Church began drying some of their produce so that they could still provide such yummy, nutritional produce. (Their dried apples are divine.)

Are LDS Church Orchards Now Being Targeted Too?

Adding more fodder to this mess is the recent uptick in the government agencies harassing the LDS Church owned orchards in various parts of the U.S. Here’s one letter I received by one of the members of the LDS Church who showed up to volunteer on a church run orchard in Idaho. (As always—name withheld)

“We are blessed to live close to the LDS church orchards and get the opportunity to work there every year to prune, thin, and harvest peaches, pears, plums, cherries, apricots, apples, etc. It is such a blessing to people who live here and for the members of the church who provide labor which ultimately feeds thousands of people worldwide.

However, the feds have upped their regulations this year and are requiring every volunteer to be (specially government) trained. They have made it clear that we could be audited, and the volunteers could be asked by Gov’t officials on-site (at any time) if they have been 'trained'. If we are not in compliance, the orchard could be shut down. So after Sacrament

LDS Orchard Cannery PreparednessPro.com

meeting today they had a Stake member come and pass out a 'training' sheet and gave adults a card that people are supposed to sign and take with them out to the orchard when we work to show that we have been trained. The wards now have to have an orchard coordinator that will be on site to 'train' those people who fall through the cracks and missed the training. (Editor note: Remember—these are ALL volunteers who make this all possible.)

The training includes on-site cleanliness (washing hands, etc. and using the toilet facilities that the church has always provided (us) before ‘they’ said anything); another item was that if fruit touches the ground we are to not put it in the bins; we can't use it for use at the cannery. However, that fruit is good enough for me to pick up and take home to eat, hmmmm. Moving on....

Another item--That children are watched carefully so they don't pick fruit with unclean hands, (seems to me that the canning process would kill any bacteria that a child or adult might have on their hands); that each volunteer record their hours, and that we provide proof of training to any official who may want to see it on demand.

Now this is just another effort to make us more dependent on 'Them'. I was livid during this meeting as I realized what was happening and what 'They' are trying to accomplish. This is a sign of it trickling down to the people of our country and many don't see the tentacles reaching out to grab and control them. Too many people are complacent and don’t realize what this means for the future of our food production.

The cannery in Boise has had to quit canning meats because 'They' passed more regulations that the Church wasn't willing to abide by. So rather than jump through more hoops the church decided they would no longer can meats. I guess it is good that I already can meat and also teach others to do so. I wonder what other 'regulations' they will pass to try and shut the cannery down.

I live in Idaho, and the stakes from (redacted) westward do orchard work and the Stakes in (redacted) do cannery work. We have loved doing work in the orchards and have enjoyed having our children help. But I guess we have to be extra vigilant and be in compliance, so we will be making sure our children don't contaminate the whole orchard by picking up a piece of fruit off the ground and eating it on site. This is an item that 'they' insist on compliance. Absolutely NO picking of fruit and eating it while in the orchard. HA! How have we survived this long without Government regulations??”

I’d say that we’ve all had ample indications that it’s time to wake up and get prepared. You’ve already lost one more valuable outlet with this latest maneuver. You’re likely to find that your bank account has been emptied overnight by the powers that be like it was for many in Cyprus and Canada recently. You’re likely to find that it’s impossible to purchase non-gmo seeds any longer to grow, or that your water supply will be drastically reduced. Who knows what will happen exactly, but no one can sit there and feign ignorance or plead that they never had any warning? This, my friends, is a very clear warning to us all--anything can happen--things we've never even conceived of that will alter our future plans to prepare--in a heartbeat. Seems to me we need to stop making those plans about what we intend to do in the future and start making it a priority to get better prepared today, while we still can.

(Author’s notes: When I first launched this story on our Facebook page earlier today it was met primarily by persons who know my reputation to check and verify my facts, and as such, as viable information. However, there are those persons who see their mission in life to be one of torment, scoffing and scorning the earnest efforts of others. If you choose to comment to this story and be one of THOSE kinds of people, know that you will not have your 15 minutes of fame, as all such comments will be banned from our site.)

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feather..the govt already keeps track of you if you have livestock of ANY kind, farmland more than 1 acre or bees..those of us who have any of this are recorded and sent a 'survey' every 5 years. A survey that is MANDATORY to reply to. (or else a government agent will show up at your doorstep to retrieve the information..& I thought 'surveys' were optional! ha! I was taught differently..) We are REQUIRED to give accurate amounts of how much agriculture that we produce annually, how much honey, how many hives, tractor equipment etc..Big Brother is watching already.. :(

I wonder if those mandatory surveys are to keep track of stuff for the government to take over in the event of an emergency Ala one of the executive orders that says the government will take control of the food supply or something very close to that...I'm lazy and don't feel like looking it up to post a link, but I'm sure it's not difficult to find. I've seen it many times.

Some of it is for tax purposes..I understand that. the other reasons are for others to determine :/ I HAVE looked up that executive order (bcuz I don't generally take others' word for that type of info) . It DOES say that the govt can take any food (or other) resources for any reason (paraphrasing). It makes you want to 'guesstimate' on your actual numbers and totally 'forget' about others. :) I WILL say, if I had to do it over, I would seriously weigh out whether I would want the bees (and horses etc) as a tax right-off, or I would rather keep them privately and know I have my own natural resources that I am able to share with others if necessary....without govt impedance.

DK..I have 5 acres and raise my own animals and bees as well as grow my own food to feed my family. Been here 26 yrs and I haven't had a government official here other than animal control when my neighbor complained about my chickens. Her complaint was unfounded so nothing was done.
Of course after posting this they will probably be here tomorrow!!!

We recently bought an acreage a couple years ago but are kind of new at this. We have just started to do gardening and raise chickens. We have received such a survey that says it is mandatory to fill out. We haven't filled it out yet and have received two so far. I suppose we will have some government hack at our door any day, but I'm not sure it's legal for them to do this and would like to try to fight it if I can. I just can't believe how little freedom we have now!

If your farm is zoned specifically as a farm, then the USDA is involved and it's very likely that you do have to fill it out. With a farm designation there's tax benefits. The tax benefits buy you this kind of interference.

@mrr That's odd. We had an organic blueberry and Christmas tree farm in NH for a long time, and never once received any survey from any govt entity. We did, however, have to jump through a few hoops with the local Cooperative Extension to get the organic certification but that was all we ever had to comply with.

The five year survey you refer to is an agricultural census which they have been doing since 1840. This is required by the same law as our population censuses. When we do our family history and write biographies about our ancestors, knowing that they had two cows, six pigs and 22 chickens on their 50 acre farm adds personality to them that you don't get from the vital records.
Except for the above censuses, the surveys are all voluntary. Knowing crop production (acres times yield per acre) helps to remove price volatility in the market.
A farmer is defined as have a $1,000 of gross production or potentially having $1,000 of production in a year. The net is much smaller or negative. That is why the statistics show that most farmers have off farm income.
I have to make multiple calls to the farmers to be surveyed and may have to visit the farm. I have some that do not want to participate. I have told them that all they have to do is to leave a message on the answering machine or tell me and that ends getting information for THAT survey. They can do it again with the next. It is voluntary.

Kellene - I know you keep up with all you can, but had you read these bills from 2010? Bill S 510 (111th) and HR 2749. These along with Agenda 21 set us to begin prepping. The terminology is broad, too broad, but 'yes', it could affect small growers and especially farmers markets. There are many agencys involved in this, and Homeland Security being one of the main. It's all for the benefit of we the consumer. Food safety is the theme. As with many of the bills put out by this administration, it issues a bill and then another to 'amend' it so that it's hard for us to decipher all of it. Most of us don't have the time available to track down every bill and it's amendments. Putting all these together, it is a scary thing. Bill S 510 was the one that gave the gov't the right of inspection any time to any type of food producing company, or market - anything.

@Joan perhaps the intent behind wanting access to inspect any food preparation/distribution facilities grew out of the terrorism fears that people were bombarded with constantly after 9/11 and a suspicion that terrorists may try to contaminate food supplies? Imagine for a moment if this truly happened and the government was caught with its pants down on preventing it from happening; people would be in an uproar over why these facilities weren't regularly monitored. Damned if do. Damned if don't.

Just a note on terminology. Administration generally refers to the Executive Branch, while bills (S. and H.R.) generally refer to the Legislative Branch. While its all the same government, and sometimes the two branches cooperate, more often they do not.

According to the article, only precanned foods will be available, so no, we can't buy in bulk after the cutoff date.

And this didn't start with the Obama administration, and you can't blame Democrats for everything. We have a bunch of gutless wonders in Congress who refuse to limit the outrages of the Executive Branch, and even hand over some of the powers of the Legislative Branch. For that matter, they're too busy ignoring the Constitution themselves so reining in another branch wouldn't even occur to them. That's BOTH parties, few of whom have read the Constitution and the rest of whom ignore it.

I called the Magna Cannery in Magna Utah yesterday after reading this. They said that there will be pre-canned available but canned by who was not known. She didn't know what it will consist of or if we will be able to buy in bulk or if we can buy the pouches and cans as well as the other things to do our own canning. She also didn't know for sure when it will all happen but that is should be before August. She also said to call back next week to get more info. I am thinking of going in to get what I can soon too.

I am really wondering about a couple of things.
First, will this change give those who can afford to an opportunity to donate additional types of canned, prepared, etc. products directly to the Bishop's Storehouse in our stakes. I would love to be able to contribute specialty foods and products for people with allergies or special needs. (No, I have not discussed this with my local "Bishop's Storehouse.")

Second - this may not appear to be related. How much longer will citizens of faith be allowed to claim tax deductions to contributions to the church of thier faith, or other organizations. There many organizations that offer a gift in return for a cash offering/doation.

As of the 13th of November 2013, the Houston LDS [cannery] no longer provides canning tools for public use. Bulk purchases are still available and large orders of lets say pallets of bulk goods can still be pre-ordered and shipped to that location. Looking for tin can sealers now as I type (how i found your article) to continue canning.

Friends,
If you're interested in purchasing canning equipment of all sorts, consider Lehmans.com. They cater to the Amish, but sell to anyone and carry a wide variety of non-electric tools and other equipment that help make a self-sufficient life more feasible. I know they have a tin canning machine and offer cans etc as well. Good luck, keep the faith, and keep your powder dry!

At this point the information I got is "yes." However, that may change too. Like I mentioned, I'm sure the LDS Church will come out with clarifying public announcement on this matter, and of course will be void of any grousing or finger-pointing etc. Frankly, they will use this to their advantage and I'm certain they have chosen to be very wise in how they implement these changes. They just aren't the vindictive or petty like that--as a whole, they manage decorum even in the most stressful of circumstances as a whereas I, am not nearly that restrained. *grimace*

I am not LDS but have always marveled at the Church's commitment in the food survival activity. Dear members this is simply another attack on Christians, remember that Christians of any vein are on the top of the government terrorists list. I remember that FBI raid on that cannery in the east and thought how horrible it was and how brave the people were who stood up to the government. When Obama ran for his second term he said he had not finished yet, this is part of it. To those people who do not see this and scoff and ridicule those that prepare, well there is nothing that can take off those blinders. Maybe they will see when they are being herder into a FEMA camp. How can a government have control over it's people when those people are busy taking care of themselves, they have to take away our self sufficiency so they can control us. I keep hearing that it wasn't raining when Noah build his ark. Kaleen, thank you for your tireless work and those great recipes, something is on it's way I can feel it.

You got THAT right! Soetoro is trying his best to bring down the nation. He cannot do that as long as there are people who are trying to prevent it. Good folks will be prevented from helping people in order to grease the axles of Soetoro's steamrollers.

I will say, as a pinterest addict, it might be nice to be able to pin it. And that shouldn't interfere with copyrights because it will take it to this site. Although I do know that it is harder to integrate that platform into some of the older websites, having that problem with my own.

This is how I "pin" the "unpinnable" - In the URL for the page you want to pin (but can't) highlight and control copy. Go to google images and select an appropriate image and "pin" it. Then go to pintrest and find the board you pinned it to and select the pin and on it select edit. In the description box it would be appropriate to credit where the image came from. In the URL box for the pin paste the address you copied for the page and remember to save. Go back to the pin and check that the image will direct to the pin. That's it! Hope that helps!

Everything you read from the Executive Orders signed by the various Presidents are copied word for word by the varied Canadian government administrations from as far back as 1981 and 1993, where the Governor-General in Council signed Orders as published in the CANADA GAZETTE. There is a planned NEW WORLD ORDER that is tyrannical in nature, and will far far worse than any other Dictatorship in the history of the World. The Government of Canada is a ROMAN CORPORATION as per the ruling of Alberta Court of Queen's Bench, 1993. Note also that the prophecy of the coming Mark of the Beast in John's vision at The Book of the Revelation 13:15-18 is actual patented technology at www.uspto.gov under Patent Number 5,878,155. BE WARNED. This is not conspiracy theory. It is FACT.

I think there is a bit of a misunderstanding here. The welfare canneries are closing in many areas and are being moved mainly to Utah and Idaho. The dry pack canneries that sell the products most of us are interested in are to remain in place. The food from the welfare canneries is mostly wet pack and is used in the church welfare system and not sold to the public. The ones in Calif. Are already closed and moved

Howard, Yes, I think there is some misunderstanding on your part (as well as others.) There is a GREAT DEAL of food that's sold out of these canneries to the public as it's available for both members and non-of the LDS Church.
While the canneries themselves will remain, the ability to can ON SITE will most definitely be changed as there will no longer be canning on site. however, folks will be able to check out the canner and fill their own #10 cans with their goods. Yay!

No matter what a government does, there is always a legal work around. For example, I am reading a book called, "Secret Garden Of Survival" by Rick Austin, The Survivalist Gardener. He explains how to grow edible food in a forest by using perennials instead of annual plants. He explains how to stage these plants and how to mix them together. The end result is that when you walk onto his property, you can't even recognize the abundance of food there unless you have a trained eye for it.

This is just heart-sickening! I had some wind that something was up a few weeks ago when I went to buy boxes for my "under the bed" cans because we're moving. A comment made by one of the supervisors that "something big is coming" really un-nerved me at the time, as we were discussing whether I could still buy as much wheat as I wanted to... they had been unaware that a local cannery here had stopped canning meat a few years back (I don't think it's the same one mentioned in the article), and wheat was scarce a couple of years ago, so we were limited on how much we could buy... that comment came out of that conversation. There was no other information provided, but by his tone, and the general gist of our conversation, I knew it wasn't going to be good... just hoped it wouldn't be quite so soon! This is truly when we need principle #1 - without that spiritual preparedness, I think I might be having a panic attack right now...still not feeling so very happy... scary stuff!

I wish they would go after the undocumented workers in orchards the way they go after volunteers who are US citizens. I wonder how many of the former eat while picking and/or pick with unwashed hands. I also wonder how many of the former don't use the 'facilities' and just pee behind a tree.

The reason this is being done? I don't know what the LDS know, understand, or believe, regarding the End Times, but I foresee a time when to buy or sell, all $$ plasticized, (computer transactions only, no bills or coins) you will be required to take the Mark of the Beast. And if you spend money that you don't have a job to account for your earnings, you're nailed.

See, the Christians will refuse to take the Mark (because it will send you straight to Hades at the Judgement, at least as I believe, not being LDS) and they will live as long as possible "underground" - as in "unseen", bartering for what we can - or be killed by the State/Anti-Christ. Y'all know it's the "Latter Days" so I figure however it turns out, y'all will know what to do, but by taking your food (ALL our food!), and making us dependant on "Them", the sooner the Anti-Christ can weed out those who will follow him willingly and the Christians who won't risk their soul.

Never EVER asking you to give up your beliefs, if what I've said sounds strange to you, (as it did my sis-in-law), your can check out what different folks think and believe about the Rapture. (It's gonna be confusing!! Very few agree w/ each other!) I'm not asking you to believe what you read, but it may start looking VERY much like what you see going on all around you. I have no proof the "Rapture" will occur or things will turn out according to the way I've been taught - I believe, of course - but it suuuuure fits w/ what I see happening all around me. Try it out once, it'll be quite eye-opening. Of course, y'all may already believe such things and my sis-in-law just hasn't gotten to that part yet, being a convert.

@TJ If I'm not mistaken, a citrus grower in FL was cited in recent years for not following govt regulations and providing sufficient bathroom breaks to its workers who, as a result, were relieving themselves in the orchards. Another was cited for chaining and locking his workers at night in the back of a semi.

Kellene, I am really really sorry to learn of this, on so many levels and should be disturbing to everyone who cares even if they've never used any of the canneries.
I must say I'm not surprised, at all.
Could say so much more but will bit my tongue, hard...

I think that what's even sadder about this is that one of the main purposes of the LDS Church's cannery and volunteer farm system is to provide food for the poor and needy, both in everyday and emergency situations. Providing families with reasonable home storage options is nice, but, as consumers, we often have other options available to us in that department. In fact, sometimes I find better deals and options through Costco, an emergency supply company, or even my local grocery store, depending on what I need or am looking for. What I think is an even bigger tragedy is the impact the actions of the government may have on the ability of the Church to respond in times of need, great and small. I'm not sure why the government would want to hamper the efforts of such a great charitable organization, all in the name of "safety."

What is next? if you go to tractor supply & buy chicken or garden supplies, will they start raiding our homes (saying we are illegally cannning meat & growing vegtables: of course with then intent to make all of us "food terrorist" healthy, which must be a crime somewhere) (??) lol!!!! It really is getting kind of sad, weird & scary all at the same time. Feather

It is ok to admit that your blog came across as misleading. The church felt as though they had to clarify, which indicates it created much confusion. The church is still going to do pre-packaged items all over the US. The west will not be preparing and shipping to the east, we are already busy enough and have been reassured that your blog was wrong on that. They will limit how people can do their own canning in the facilities. Stakes have been stocking themselves with canning supplies so members can do this on their own. It is not watched as closely by the FDA when it is off-site.

We use words to define and express our thoughts. I NEVER stated that the LDS Church was "closing its facilities", rather there were to be significant changes in terms of the canning that took place--which was confirmed by the HEADLINE of the Deseret News article. "Tweaking" they said. I guess because it sounds more soft than "halt canning".
Are you a spokesperson for the LDS Church? If not, then who are you to state that they "felt as though they had to clarify"? In a so-called effort to clarify my blog, they only further confused the issue by stating that I was wrong on my information while further confirming it.
Further, the official LDS Church response was quoted as saying ""home storage centers will offer the same or additional commodities in pre-packaged form, at no additional cost." Where you conclude that that statement means that "the west will not be preparing and shipping to the east" I have no idea. Again, I think it goes back to reading comprehension. But then again, perhaps that's why we're supposed to read and re-read the scriptures over and over again, because we tend to only pick out the truths for which we are ready to see. Perhaps you're just not ready for some of this truth.

You state: "They will limit how people can do their own canning in the facilities."--and yet there will be NO canning IN the facilities. But then you state "Stakes have been stocking themselves with canning supplies so members can do this on their own" which contradicts your previous statement of canning "in the facilities."
Further, you then go on to say "It is not watched as closely by the FDA when it is off-site" which only lends credence to my suggestion that the federal government is playing any role in these changes in the first place.

Geesh--talk about communicating in a confusing manner!

Oh, and by the way, it is ok to admit that your comment is wrong, falsely accusatory, and lacking in foundation.

FYI...The Church will be expanding their "pre-pack" items from the 6 or so that they offer now to about 13-15 items. Almost all of the items that you could buy in bulk will be available as pre-packaged #10 cans, packaged by the same facilities that handle the current "pre-pack". However I do know that they will reduce the amount of bulk items they carry. Basically if it is a pre-packaged item then it will not be available in bulk. I work at a LDS Cannery and have been briefed on the changes that are coming. The new FDA guidelines are absurd, but we will be following them so that we can keep our Cannery open for the benefit of others.

We have been watching things progress for almost 40 years while being more and more aware of what was/is coming. Seven(7) billion people in this world is figured to be way too many, by the elite who run this world.

In Our Opinion:
It is all coming to a head now. The move by the elite puppet masters of the world to subjugate the American people to their absolute rule. America was the only country that could have stood up and said NO to a one-world elitist government. But no more.

We believe that there is no other reason for our government's attacks on alternate food sources, even with USDA swat team raids, than that our government, in the near future, full well intends to cut off the supply of food products to the grocery store shelves and thereby starve our American citizens, the masses, into submission to those who now control the American governments and more around the world. Gun ban/confiscation is also a part of this plan to make the American people helpless and submissive.

Laugh at this now if you will, cry later. Later, you won't laugh, then, it will be too late to address the problems of our out-of-control government agencies and departments which should be being prosecuted NOW.

Stand up to them now or loose everything, freedom, liberty, justice our constitutional rights and the lives of all those they don't think they need anymore. The history of the world is getting ready to repeat itself on a much greater scale than ever before, thanks to the insane elitists that are at the top pulling the strings.

I doubt that will happen - the gov't shutting down food to starve the masses. If history is any kind if teacher it teaches us this - as long as you have Bread & Circuses you will have a controllable society. As long as Americans have their Reality TV and Fast Food, they will continue into slavery without anything more than an occasional whimper.

Don't you think that "reading comprehension" is important before you go off half-cocked and insulting people?? Read my article and read the article you're referencing again. There's NOTHING that my article says about "closing" any facilities." And by the way, there are several sources to back up my story, the Deseret News article being one of them...though confusing, to say the least. But you just go right on ahead with your vitriol. I hope it gives you peace and comfort.

This may explaing also why many people do some of the things that they do. And because of this, it may be possible to better to understand why we read in the scriptures that we are not to judge one another. The person standing next to you now may not be able to understand what you know, what you believe, and so on.

We can read:
1 Corinthians 13:1
King James Version (KJV)
12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

"The church is not closing canneries and is not limiting the variety of goods available to church members," she said. The only thing being reduced over time is the number of locations at which members can purchase bulk food and can it themselves onsite.

I live on the west coast of Florida and the "Government inspectors" shut down canning at our local cannery over 6 months ago. Since then they have upped the number of can sealers available to borrow from 2 to about 6 that I could see. They have also have more mylar sealers that can be borrowed. However, on our last visit over a month ago we were told that they were working on having all products available in the #10 cans and may in the future no longer offer the foods in bulk at all. Not really bad when you consider the time and energy that goes into canning.

This is sad, but not surprising, unfortunately. The govt. has illegally raided farms for milk and cheeses, produce, they are forcing famers to kill their hogs is they resemble a feral hog in markings, and they are forcing people to try and hide what they do from the government.
Our founding fathers knew this would happen if people became complacent, and unfortunately until recently, people had become complacent. People are waking up in droves now, and it's time we take our government back......if it's not already too late. We have to stop believing every campaign promise and start seeing what's actually realistic for a candidate to do, compared to what he/she is promising to do. We need to start educating ourselves to the real evils in the world, and that they are not in our neighbors, but in our world governments. We need to impeach the ones who aren't doing their jobs and working for US, and we need to bring in candidates who want real change, which in today's terms would be simply going back to the constitution. Most of all we need to stop relying on our government to provide our happiness. The promise is of the PURSUIT of Happiness...not the guarantee of happiness. If we rely on the government to make the world a safe, happy place to live, then we have to be willing to live under the government's wings. I am not willing to place my joy or happiness into the hands of others. I hope enough others are like us, so we can have our RIGHT to a pursuit of happiness back too.
Sorry to ramble, Kellene. This really ruffled my feathers. Thank you for following through with this article and letting people know what's really going on.
Make it a great day all!!

I'm not an LDS member, but their information and guidelines on how to become more self-sufficient was the most sensible (and simple) among the overwhelming data floating around the Internet. The local cannery allows non-members to volunteer and purchase and now sadly, to be closed as it is "east of the Mississippi."

I haven't bought near the amount I'd like - but am thankful for what I have gotten over the last few years.

Curtis, this is not an "Obama Administration" instrusion. This is a government intrusion and it didn't start with Obama. Saint Bush, was not a saint. Wake up! Get out of the good party/bad party mode. Obama just happens to be the current orchestra leader. So when Obama is gone, and if a Republican is elected, don't think they are sainted. Our politicians are merely puppets to a much bigger and wealthier group who really are in control.

Weedy....Bush would NEVER allowed this kind of intrusion. Are you really that blind? From these actions we now know that the assault will be thru food. We ALL need to get our heads straight and prepare.

yes he would have. This isn't about one party over another. The Bush regime began controls that made is more difficult to purchase non hybridized seeds. They also implemented controls that affected private farmers from selling things like fresh eggs and raw milk. This isn't dems vs rep. This is tyranny vs the people

@ElPolacko Listen to @Karin; she is dead on about the history, and its intents. This started long before Bush administration and involved international bodies as well, and is indeed a path to tyranny vs the people.

I agree, this is not just Obama. This is NWO. Obama is just the latest puppet dangling from their strings. This makes me SO GRATEFUL to know that God Lives and is STILL Very Much Involved with Us, His Children, and Who has appointed and anointed a Modern Day Prophet to lead and guide us through whatever Mess This "Secret Combination" will try to throw at us!

I guess the sister you talked to that confirmed your 'story' was lying to you. You have been credited with spreading this misinformation. When I first read it, I did as I always do and started my research. While there were other sites that reported this, you were the source on all of them. Don't you think it's irresponsible to report on things you clearly have no direct knowledge of? {Redacted for hate speech]

You are blind to the truth and need to check for yourself. The only misrepresentation of information here is that some say the canneries are "closing" and others say they are only "halting-canning". The fact of the matter is, that the people (members and non-members alike) will not be able to can items for themselves at the existing church canneries,...in any cannery, by the end of this year. end of story.

Kellene;
I have never purchased from the LDS church, but have friends that due. I find this act under the disguise of health regulations by the government to be intolerable. They are following the communist/Stalin hand book for control of the people by any means necessary. If the citizens of this nation due not take a stand like they did when the Tea Parties started up again our lives and our families lives will be worse than those who lived and died in the concentration camps in Germany. History is repeating itself with a book that the young have never read, and can not understand, due to the fact they are ignorant. Heaven help us all.

Seems to me that EVERY one needs to start calling EVERY politician in your state and area! Don't take an "I'll check on it." They seldom do. They are part of the problem. Go to all your political meetings you can and keep demanding an answer to this and a lot of other things they are doing! Demand accountability and honesty. And do not let up.

Yes at church my girlfriend showed me the artical on first one of West of the Mississippi .Which WA is West of and not East of but I do have family in Iowa and WI. Just so much going on and so much to try to do before its too late. The immagration law they want to pass has hidden agendas about everyone one of us a mandatory National ID for everyone living in the US not just new people entering here illegally of legaly. Its all about CONTROLE! Thank you for the correction and small peace of mind till they do this controle to every LDS cannery and rule they make.

The REAL ID has been in various stages of implementation (state by state) for a good number of years now, and if I'm not mistaken grew out of all the post 9/11 security fears during the last administration & was passed by Congress back then, not recently. Some states have procrastinated implementing it mainly because of costs. The reasoning behind it, I gather, is the same as requiring folks to have a photo ID to vote, and that is to prove both citizenship and that you are who you say you are. The added required documents to get the REAL ID were a bit of a nuisance for some, and insurmountable for others (such as those who lost birth certs & getting a teplacement proved difficult, or those who never had one for a variety of legitimate reasons. Folks who lost or never applied for a SocSec card, people who have no legal residence, and more).

I'm trying not to bury my head in the sand and just hide from yet ANOTHER evidence of govt control. Does it ever end???!!! No. And I doubt it will until we're either a communist country or civil war ensues. I vote for war... but that's just me. :) I see so much of our situation as being the same as what the original colonies were facing with Britain... and we all know what had to happen there! I'm not a violent person...quite the contrary. But I am so fed up with this ridiculousness!!!

Well hopefully you will have the character strength to admit when you've falsely accused someone of spreading rumor as the Deseret News has done with a correction and an apology to Preparedness Pro, but don't worry, I won't hold ya to it. http://www.preparednesspro.com/?p=15087

We live in Southern Utah and had a very productive peach and apricot orchard. Suddenly we were told that it would be no more?! They were being sued? and it was just too expensive for the church to fight and cheaper to cut down the orchard. Then we heard that the homes around...which weren't there many years ago...didn't like the spraying of insecticide. We were able to take anything that fell on the ground and use it for our own home canning. We have seen miracles in the production when everything froze and then had a bumper crop...just in time to send canned goods to the Katrina effort. The church has sent these canned goods all over the world to help those in disasters, and now they will be unable to do so. What a sham and a terrible shame for our country! Satan is truly working his evil ways.

I have lung issues and can not live near anyone who does spraying of pesticides or other air-borne substances on a large scale. Maybe someone in the nearby homes had mitigating health issues? And just as a personal choice; I never knowingly feed my family foods that have been sprayed with chemicals. Could the orchard find no organic solution to cutting down the orchard because they couldn't spray pesticides anymore?

This is not quite on topic but still something to think about....
My mom lives in Switzerland right now (back story), and has poo pooed every idea I have ever had with the exception of going to nursing school. I didn't matter how small or how large, she hates my exes, (even when they were my husbands) and nothing I do is right.... get the picture.
Well I was making cheese the other day and talking about how I haven't been able to get into the garden cause of all the rain and that led to a conversation about the property I want to buy. When she asked me why I want acreage and a garden, animals etc. I told her I was trying to be more self sufficient and prepping in case things got bad. (wait for it) No she didn't poopoo this idea. In fact she said she is seeing things from the European side and it looks worse from over there. She is pulling most of her money out of the bank and converting it to take to Zurich with her. She doesn't want the government to empty her bank accounts or open her safe deposit box. When my mom and I agree on something it is a scary thing. Just food for thought.

Is there no limit to the intrusiveness of the Obama Administration? This is just another major effort to impose government control on anything that has to do with the Churches n America. Betcha if it was a Muslim run cannery, it would be ignored to do what it wanted.

You got it. Perhaps WE should impose a low on the government workers. They should be required to be trained and licensed in how to treat human beings! And without that license, they are not to be allowed in office.

It is amazing to me how many people cannot read! Maybe that is part of the problem with our citizenry. Some cannot spell either(hee hee). I read your article and was dismayed and also not surprised. It seems as if the Evil forces in the world are stepping up their game. I have volunteered at the LDS cannery near us (even though I am not of their faith) and had a wonderful time! They provide such a valuable service to us all if we would only take part. Thank you for your information. I will let the sister that led me to the cannery know of this news (she may already know). God Bless you. Keep up the Good fight.

Thanks for your continued reporting. I've read the letter and your article seems to be accurate to me. It also matches what I've heard here, east of the Mississippi. I've known things were getting tight as the government refused to allow us to cook meals for volunteers any longer, and other things kept happening. Signs of the times, right?

I know this context may not match exactly to the article by my mind went to D&C 121:33
"How long can rolling waters remain impure? What power shall stay the heavens? As well might man stretch forth his puny arm to stop the Missouri river in its decreed course, or to turn it up stream, as to hinder the cAlmighty from pouring down knowledge from heaven upon the heads of the Latter-day Saints."

I strongly encourage you to take a look at the difference between an Executive Order and actual legislation. Spreading around panicky stuff based on Executive Orders is damaging as it only serves to spread around the panic that "they" desire. The devil's got plenty of advocates as it is nowadays, don't you think?? We don't need to help him anymore do we?? I'd suggest you put "executive order" in the search bar on the blog. I wrote an article about EO a couple of weeks ago.

Kellene-
Just got off the phone with the Sister at our Cannery in OKC. They are phasing out canning there as well, and they aren't making any appointments after July. She said it will all be prepackaged, but that her understanding was that they were going to offer all the same products, just pre-canned, and had no way of telling me what the price point was going to be just yet. So sad, I was really looking forward to showing all of my kids eventually about canning at the cannery, etc. But thank you for the heads up. Once I read this, I knew I needed to step up and get finished with our goal, and I wouldn't have made another appointment until 3 months from now because we had just canned.

Kellene, I hope you don't mind but I'm going to make a little plug for a new website my husband and I created. I, so enjoy all the information you provide, and I refer many people to your website because I know the information is reliable. Our website is Christian based and makes clear reference to
II Chronicles 7:14...www.re-dedicateamerica.com. The reason I do this is because, as I read the above article I realize more than ever that we, as a people, have to pray for this country. The problems are just getting bigger and bigger, I don't know how we can fix things, but I do know without God, it's going to be real hard and with God all things are possible. Forgive me for using your comment section to plug our site, but I'm trying to get the message out and I think you would like it if you checked it out. I am really surprised that this type of issue doesn't fall under 'the separation of church and state' clause. I am surprised that the Church can't find a way to fight this. If an entity the size of the LDS Church can't stand against this tyrannical government, we are in trouble. Thanks Kellene, for all you do, and God Bless You.

In lieu of the recent IRS scandal in which conservative political groups were targeted by the IRS, it doesn't surprise me that the LDS church would also be a target of the government.

You don't begin to attack the church head-on but you can begin to tactically "shut down" (through regulatory laws) certain appendages of the church to begin to weaken it.

With the church's stance on political hot button topics like gay marriage, pro-life, pro constitutional rights, it's predominant conservative base and it's growing influence, I think that progressive socialists might indeed see them as a threat. And as patterned by past socialist governments, when you have power, you wield it to permanently make it impossible to overthrow it by taking down your biggest threats.

Could this be an early indicator of things to come? A conspiracy? , I believe indeed that it is.

I live right next to the church's peach and apricot orchard in Southern Utah. Well there is no orchard anymore. They pulled out hundreds of trees and it's gone. I don't personally know of anyone who complained of the pesticides. The orchard was here long before we were here. It has been a sad thing for us. I'm just glad I have a few fruit trees in my backyard. I wonder when the government will come and check out my "facilities" when I'm canning in my kitchen!

Check the headline at this link: [redacted for spam]
After reading the comments I was backing you on your assertion that you had never said they would shut down. But later when I came back the Facebook link the headline does say shut down in the text it states that no canning will be occurring there. I don't know maybe somebody else wrote your headline for you. But I thought you might want to know that, since you're so adamantly saying otherwise. Oops, I hate it when that happens :-) anyway, thank you for writing this article and reminding me to stay aware and vigilant. .

I already saw the link and they've illegally posted my article AND changed the headline--but of course they didn't show the ENTIRE article--you know, the part that says that it's COPYRIGHT PROTECTED?!. And people wonder why I try to make it hard for people to just cut and paste my articles.

It's true. I was volunteering in Feb or March? not sure which. At that time the person in charge stated that there were some canneries closing in the East. He didn't state that this was due to big brother. He made it seem as though it was just part of the bad economy. But I also know the history of the church. I will put money on the Relief Society coming in and picking up where the canneries have left off. After world war 2 the church was trying to get food into Germany and they were having a problem with regulations. They got around it. The church has faced big brother before. This will be nothing new.

Darrell, this isn't an LDS site, and as such all respectful opinions and viewpoints are welcome.
I will say though that I believe that it would be a mistake to think that the church leaders AREN'T being resistant. The LDS faith is no stranger to gov't persecution but they've always ended up on their feet, and I've come to have the opinion based on experience that anytime the Lord's faithful are wronged, He always has the habit of turning that wrong to the good of the subjects. That's not to say that I don't believe in fighting back, personally, but I have faith that things will work themselves out in the end. :-)

Thanks for keeping a cool head Kellene!
I know that the Lord has a purpose in ALL things. This will work to glorify His name and be for the good of His people. Not sure what we should do other than be prepared spiritually and temporally as we know that these are signs of the times. Kind of exciting to see that His return is getting near! Keep up the good work Kellene, we need good soldiers for the truth!

The church leaders will not publicly say anything derogatory to the government, any agent or agency of the government, or anyone else. This does not mean that they are not taking action quietly behind the scenes. They will avoid confrontation as long as possible but will be prepared for it should it become necessary. I need to make my own decisions. I am currently positioned pretty well. I am out of debt and live in a rural area. Many of the farmers around me are Amish. They are misunderstood by much of the world but avoid confrontation when possible too. But they also are prepared for what is to come. I do need to increase my own storage as much as possible from now till it is no longer possible. But where I am open pollinated seeds are as common as are the offerings from the seed companies.

It is a KNOW fact that The Church will never be destroyed, as it has been in the past, so what ever satan inspires people to do to hurt us, so be it. The Lord has placed wicked leaders in wicked countries before to bring damnation down upon the wicked because of their wickedness, so "IF" & WHEN the members of The Church repent & live the Gospel, the Lord will have no need of a wicked leader doing what is being done now. Remember why the terrible attack on the members in Missouri were permitted by the Lord? And in Nauvoo? How about the reason that Jerusalem was destroyed so many times & millions slaughtered? It behooves ALL members to read Church History by Joseph Smith to better understand why these things are being permitted by the Lord. As the Lord has told His children, ever since Adam & Eve, REPENT!! We members have a lot more responsibility to live the Gospel than the gentiles & Jews. "There is no weapon that can prevail against the righteous; except their own unrighteuosness." :)

I think to outsiders, "know(sic) fact" and faith might be getting blurred with that statement and since this is not an LDS faith site, rather a Christian based one of no particular denomination, I'd appreciate it if the LDS folks kept that in mind so as to welcome everyone to this page, not just LDS.

I tend to take the Church's position and statement on this for their word and am not totally buying into the conspiracy theory.

The reason? Why are only some canneries being effected and not others? If the Church was having a problem with government regulations wouldn't they close all of them? I really think this is a consolidation effort. The Church is a wise steward over our tithing, fast and humanitarian aid monies. Yes, government regulations are oppressive but it's not impossible to still can food.

The only "good" I see out of people crying conspiracy is that some people might out of fear actually obey the prophet's council and start working on their food storage. That could in turn create a greater demand for the food storage pre-packaged by the Church. How will they meet that demand? The strong possibility is in the same manner commercial companies do - AUTOMATION. I could see the Church INVESTING in larger automated plants funded by our tithes, offerings and humanitarian aid to help meet the demands of the world. (This is my theory, I have no inner knowledge they are doing so.)

We are a world-wide church every country has their own set of regulations and requirements for handling food. This would be over-whelming to manage. Do only members in the USA get to have canneries? Or does the church offer the same opportunities to all members world-wide? How expensive is all that equipment to set up a cannery? Is it easier to can the food in a central location and then ship it? If you start doing that why do you treat people in the USA different than how you handle and treat members in Africa trying to get their food storage? I see closing canneries "East of the Mississippi" as a nice test for such a plan.

FYI, the Church has started closing many Family History Centers and then creating one large Family History Library in the area that encompasses the area off all those smaller FHCs closed. The consolidation is cost effective in not only money but also manpower. So I do see a pattern we can use as an example of how the Church is working to meet the needs of a growing church and take advantage of increased technology.

Something to think about. These are just my humble opinions after much thought on the matter. Just step back for a moment, take a deep breath and pray about it.

Family History Centers are not even in the same ballpark. They aren't under the same purview as what's under FDA, USDA, or OSHA.

If you'll look at the comments and the follow up story to this you'll see that there are a LOT of other facilities throughout the U.S. that have also been closed.
Closing in other countries is a moot point since the USG arms have no jurisdiction in them. The fact that others aren't closing doesn't present any evidence that they too aren't subjected to the everchanging regulations, only that the LDS Church sees them as necessary in a particular area in order to meet their needs and thus they are willing to work and invest how they must in order to keep them operable. I think if you continue asking some of the questions that you have here, you might see how the roads actually lead to the conclusion I reached. Then again, you could do what I did and just start calling the canneries and asking questions. It's not rocket science. I called. I asked. They answered. I wrote.

Actually the church has been paying as they go since just after the death of the Lorenzo Snow. He spoke to the members about paying tithing and a few years after the his death the church was able to pay all their debts off and was able to then pay as they went along.

I for one do understand the history of the LDS church. While I am on the surface a relatively recent convert. I was raised in a church that split off from the LDS church after the death of the prophet Joseph Smith. My own ancestors left the LDS church at that time with my Grandmother joining the faction I was raised in over ninety years ago. My third Great Grandparents were involved early though and my third Great Grandfather was a member of Zion's Camp though he did not return from that march. I can not remember the first time I was in Nauvoo or the first time I visited sites in western Missouri but I grew up spending time in those places and was from a early age as much aware of the significance of those places and what happened there as I was of battlefields that I have seen.

I am from Canada & have 2 questions: does this decision apply to Canadian canneries as well & I need further info about your comment that certain bank accounts were emptyied in Canada as I have never experienced this or have never heard of anyone else experiencing it. Could you confirm where you got this info? This whole thing is very disconcerting, but not surprising

I have absolutely no information on how it impacts Canada as the FDA and USDA et al don't have the ability to target Candadian facilities. It would be best to call the Welfare Department of the Church Office in SLC, UT USA if you are unable to get answers from the local canneries in your country. I'm certain that this was brought about because of targeted harassment by the FDA, etc.

Ah, one more person who thinks that they are putting me in my place by posting the latest press release from the LDS Church. However, what you don't realize is that I've been BEGGING them to come out with such a release because I knew it would substantiate exactly what I stated about the canneries closing down their on-site canning abilities. In fact, it's even WORSE than what I had reported as I had only known about the canneries east of the Mississippi, not the fact that all but 12 of the 101 canneries were going to stop their canning activities. IF you are interested in the facts, you can read this article http://www.preparednesspro.com/rest-story-lds-canneries/ , however, your anonymous cut and run posting here leads me to believe that you're likely not interested in a rational, logical approach to this issue let alone taking responsibility for your misunderstanding.

I don't agree with the statements that there is no difference between Democrats and Republicans. The problems is the progressive agenda. All Democrats are progressive and a number of Republicans. These people are the problem. But there are plenty of Republicans (I am talking elected officials) who seriously try to keep and maintain our freedoms. And while Bush may be "guilty" of making some bad decisions, he did not expand abortion and force taxpayers to pay for it here and abroad. He did not turn our military into a social experiment with same sex assaults up astronomically. He did not actively try to destroy the family, take away our Second Amendment rights, force us into a pathetic health care system that will kill the ill, infirm and aged. He did not launch a full on attack on religious liberty and especially Christians. He did not appoint tax evaders to his cabinet and he did not reward those who were complicit in fraudulent and possibly illegal activities to positions with even more power. He did not leave American ambassadors defenseless while he slept. Those who say otherwise are complicit with the mainstream media in trying to protect the tyrant in the White House and his minions. Obama said he would punish his enemies and reward his friends. He has done that very effectively! Oh, yes, there is definitely a difference!

This article and research is ridiculous. Canning, especially wet-packing, is a messy business. Fewer and fewer LDS are doing this kind of work. Most people prefer to just buy the pre-packaged goods rather than do all the work themselves. This has more to do with concentrating the effort and work rather than try and get enough volunteers to come and do the labor. Plus, it is not exactly always sanitary since you cannot control as well volunteer packers' cleanliness and such. This is way overblown fearmongering that is based on a fantasy world perception.

So, exactly how many people did you actually interview and communicate with at the canneries before jumping to this antagonistic opinion? And ignoring the reality of what's going on won't do you any good. If you're phone rings and you don't hear it, you've still missed the call. Enough said.

It's not just east of the Mississippi. My parents are the missionaries in charge of our cannery her in Cedar City, Utah. As of August we will no longer be able to can dry goods at the cannery. Patrons now can go to the cannery, purchase bulk dry food products including powdered milk, rice, oats, wheat, beans and much more and then can the food in groups, many hands make light work, and take it home. Regulations are forcing the church to stop that practice as well. When the change takes place we will only be able to buy bulk food and then we'll have to borrow the portable canners, which are few, take them home and do all the canning ourselves. The govt cannot control us until they have our guns and absolute control of the food supply.

Too bad the LDS is a church that is totally peaceful in their endeavors and has been since Joseph Smith was killed in the 1830s. I think they should re-activate the their "Denenites". Then people wouldn't be so anxious to step on their toes!

I find no fault in how the LDS Church is handling this issue. I think they are being wise and prudent in doing so. Of course for selfish reasons I find myself wishing that they would be more forthcoming on this matter, but if I were in their position I would likely do the same thing. (P.S. I think you mean Danites?)

Tell you what, Andre, you go ahead and call 14 canneries in the east to confirm or refute my story and then you can make an informed opinion rather than buying into the lamestream media. It's simple enough and anyone who even remotely considers himself to be a journalist should be completely ashamed to put out a story like this without doing one shred of investigative work. Calling politicians and spokespersons is NOT research; it's simply getting "the line" that entities want out there. This reporter is an absolute hack for not doing ANY real research into the matter.

The guy didn't even get my name right; I certainly don't expect him to get this story right either.

Or you can just put your head in the sand, of course.

Let's see, IRS and the EPA have been outed as attacking conservative groups, but it's completely irrational to believe that the FDA and the USDA and OSHA are targeting LDS canneries, orchards and gardens? Yeah, right.

It's TOTALLY true. I went to the cannery in Chico, Ca. last month and was informed that we would not be canning several different items that we've always been able to can. How's your food storage looking people?! Get AT LEAST 3 months of food stored up! If I'm wrong, what? You have a few fewer shopping trips to look forward to; but if I'm right.....

There have also been so called "inspectors" that have requested to "inspect" the meeting houses and they would photographed the kitchens, basements (if they had one) and the utility rooms (water, electrical etc). Something odd is going on.

Any word on the selection once this new process goes live ? Currently there is only a small list of products packaged at the large canneries. Most items are only available if you can them yourself. Is this going to change or will we just lose the items ?

Those details are still tough to flesh out on a national basis. But I've found that the individual canneries are the best folks to ask as it appears from my follow-up interviews that there won't necessarily be the exact same items. So I'd suggest that you contact the cannery that you'd be attending for those kinds of details. Just as some canneries don't distinguish between LDS members and non-LDS members, there are some variations on what they will carry, or better yet, how much of it they will carry which might give some the impression that it's consistently unavailable.

I remember that after Hurricane Sandy struck, Romney, as part of a political rally, sponsored a canned food drive. That move was condemned my Obama and his friends as politically taking advantage of the situation, and that we should just do nothing, but donate to the Red Cross and let them handle it. (remember this is an organization that although they do a lot of excellent work, was caught read-handed misappropriating funds after Hurricane Katrina) So instead of being proactive and volunteering time and effort, we should just through money at the problem.

People can say this is faults all they want. The main issue, is this. You honestly don't think the government will start to attack the religious secs that threaten them? Or have you forgotten the History of the LDS church? If you do not know the History of the LDS church (Not what is found in all the Anti-moron Lit) you should take some time to find out. The government has never had a love for the LDS people or their self stationing ways. the Church has always been circumspect in their news and do what needs to be done to not state or put blame. Which is what they need to do. But I'm calling Government intervention on why there will be a "reduction" form the article on the church news. As stated on the LDS church news website, "The only thing being reduced over time is the number of locations at which members can purchase bulk food and can it themselves onsite." This is where it starts. Force them to close a few locations. Then a few more, then a few more, then what is left? If they force it enough the system will break. The government can then stand there, bragging how the charities of the churches can not compete with the welfare of the government. The only thing the government is good at is regulating things out of existence.

Is this some kink of vengeance because gov't institution looks like a bunch of idiots during katrina and other disasters? The lds church is a big machine that can turn around pretty quickly. Things will turn out all right.

FOLLOW THE MONEY !
ALL elected officials depend on Corporate money for their election campaigns, Democrat or Republican. They are totally beholden to major corporations.
(See www.alecexposed.org)

Wikipedia reports that in the year 2000 there were 23,971 Federal Legislative staffers. These are the people who are responsible for seeing to the implementation and enforcement of laws and regulations enacted by the Senate and Congress. Ever wonder how many came from a corporate background? Ever wonder how many got a corporate bonus to work as Legislative Staffers? Ever wonder how many officials at the USDA, FDA,
OSHA or any other Government Agency come from major Corporations? We have all heard of the "Revolving Door" for Government Officials and Staffers moving back and forth between Government jobs and the Private Sector. This door revolves. There is a constant flow of people in both directions. And they all know which side of the door the money is on. We have read that elected officials spend as much as 75% of their time raising money for re-election. That door must be spinning at 10,000 revolutions per minute !

We need a VOTERS revolution ! The next time you vote, WILL YOU PLEASE vote for someone who is NOT a Corporate SOCK PUPPET ? BECAUSE that is the only way to take back the Government from the the corporations that only want to strip you of everything you own. You are the only one who can save the World. You can do it ! It's really easy. Will you do it? Will you vote the bums out?

I read your blog and a few articles on abc for more information on the matter. It is really unfortunate that the canneries are closing. I think they do so much good in the crazy world we live in. However, running a cannery runs a lot of risks and can be pricy in and of its self. I feel like this blog post does not look at the other reasons the church might have closed down the canneries. Posting things like this make the lds church members look ignorant and extreme in their thinking. Posting anti government propaganda about the canneries closing does more harm than good.

I see. And does that mean that all of the persons who claim to be harassed or targeted by the IRS or the EPA make them seem ignorant and extreme in their thinking too? Should they have just been quiet and let it happen and not let the world know that such targeting was going on??

What IS "ignorant" is to think that the EPA and IRS are the only billy clubs being used--especially in light of the prevalent news of Amish farms being targeted by OSHA and the USDA.
You know what IS pricey?? Having to keep up with the ever-changing, so-called regulations that the USDA and FDA and OSHA and the EPA dishes out. The LDS Church pays cash for practically everything--they don't go into debt. The facilities are operated via volunteers. Yes, there are costs, but it's a heck of a lot more costly to just have millions of dollars and decades of work just sitting there not doing what they were intended to do.

To be clear, my conclusion as to WHY the canneries will no longer be canning comes as a result of the information that more than a dozen persons provided via personal interview. I know I was putting my neck out there by saying it like it is based on these interviews, because after a great deal of consideration, I couldn't listen to the statements of these people and NOT bring it to light.

I'm not sure to what or whom your pronouns are directed, so I can't answer that question. But I would certainly hope that none of this would be taken to in such a way that anyone would question the truthfulness of the Gospel.